Success celebrated for Stepping Stones

Another 12 months of tremendous success was celebrated recently by local Charity Stepping Stones NI.

The celebration took place on Wednesday, October 3, at the Island Centre Lisburn,s.

Speakers at the annual event included the Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry, the Mayor as well as a very special guest in this Olympic year Dame Mary Peters DBE .

Speaking at the event Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry commented: “Those of you accepting awards here today are truly inspirational. In this current climate with such a competitive labour market, local employers are the lifeblood for those people who want to work but who need an opportunity to demonstrate what they have to offer. “

Dame Mary Peters was thrilled to be at the inspirational event and presented the trainees and clients with their training awards.

She told the trainees and clients: “I am truly amazed at the amount of people here celebrating today. So many of you have completed training programmes and got jobs this year, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves and I am sure that your families, friends and staff at Stepping Stones are too.”

Paula Jennings Chief Officer of Stepping Stones was delighted at the achievements of the young people. She said: “None of this would have been possible without the support of our 120 employers, the support of the Lisburn Community and our partnership working with now.

“We are making it happen for young people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties every day, supporting them to fulfil their work potential. Today is so special to us all and we would like to thank our funders, supporters and guest speakers for helping us make it so incredible.”